‘Multi-functional’ Inverness Town House plans progress
Progress on the commercialisation of the Inverness Common Good Fund-owned Town House has been welcomed by Members of the City of Inverness Area Committee.
Leader of Inverness and Area, Cllr Ian Brown said: “Since the property ceased to be used by The Highland Council as Council offices, work has been progressing well on the development of this key Common Good Fund asset to ensure that it continues to play a productive role into the future while remaining a fully functioning base for civic events.
“I am pleased to see the ongoing works to secure new tenants in the Town House including Police Scotland, HITRANS, Social Security Scotland, Ream Properties and the Larsen & Ross Group along with Highland Council retaining its Service Point presence in the building.
“Investment in WiFi and non-structural works have enabled these third parties to enter into lease agreements and the Town House continues to be advertised for office space lets.”
A new website www.theinvernesstownhouse.co.uk promotes bookings at the venue for weddings, private functions, corporate meeting rooms and civic events. A photo gallery allows viewers to immerse themselves in the opulent interior and history of the Town House to assist potential customers make the bookings of their choice, while ‘what’s-on listings’ preview public events. Details on civic events and how to apply for them are also available.
Branding for the Town House commercialisation has been firmly established through a collaborative process with Art and Design students from Inverness College UHI.
Members also noted the tendering of a feasibility study which will focus on the medium to long term options for the use of the building, include engagement with stakeholders, understanding of the potential market, identifying the requirements to deliver different commercial options and delivering an outline business case that considers the risks and challenges to the Inverness Common Good Fund.
Cllr Brown added: “As guardians of the Inverness Common Good Fund we have an important responsibility to ensure that we maximise the return on Common Good Fund assets for the benefit of the people of Inverness. By taking advantage of the current timing of works at the neighbouring Inverness Castle project it is crucial that the Town House project dovetails in with this major new attraction and increases the Town House business potential as much as possible while retaining the historical character and civic functions of the property.”
Further information on bookings at the Town House can be found at www.theinvernesstownhouse.co.uk and information on renting office space can be found on the Council’s website.